This Nicolosi article quotes a senior member of the APA, who asserted, "When we speak in the name of psychology we are to speak only from facts and clinical expertise,' he explained. If psychology speaks out on every social issue, 'very soon the public will see us as a discredited organization -- just another opinionated voice shouting and shouting.'" (Nicolosi, p. 1)
Quite indeed, the biggest challenge facing psychology's credibility is the invasion of political motive. The Nicolosi article indicates that, for instance, the highly charged debate over gay marriage has penetrated the field of psychology and that both sides of the debate are guilty of experimental subversion in the interest of political objective. Regardless of the social importance of such political objectives as advancing civil rights, we can see that the aims of psychology are undermined by the deprivation of properly controlled research.
On my own career path, I intend to take as much direct action...
Keller (1994) suggests that one of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to maintain involvement in some of the core organizations and alliances in the field. Accordingly, Keller observes that as practitioners, we have "the opportunity to enhance the credibility of psychology through contributions to organizations. Outside participation and leadership in organizations are also important avenues for learning about the intriguing political realities of one's profession." (Keller, p. 12) This is essential if I am to take part of limiting their ability to distort research findings and the practice of psychology.
Works Cited:
Keller, P.A. (1994). Academic Paths: Career Decisions and Experiences of Psychologists. Psychology Press.
Nicolosi, L.A. (2005). Psychology Losing Scientific Credibility, Say APA Insiders. NARTH.com.
